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Sunday, February 06, 2011

Paris Greenhouses

Paris is not all about concrete and Haussmannian buildings... There are also many gardens and... greenhouses! This one is located in the Bois de Boulogne (which technically belongs to Paris) but easy to get to by Metro (stop Porte d'Auteuil). There are 6 000 different kinds of plants, but you can also see mascaron ornaments by Rodin, a stunning fountain... All this was really put together during the 19th century, but was really initiated by Louis the 15th back in 1761!

This is quite imposing! It does not say, "Welcome", it says, "Love me, but from afar" to me. Oh, please tell me that it is open when the greenhouse is open for viewing. I would be afraid to open such a beautiful gate without an invitation otherwise. :)

Eric, I have been reading and saving cafe's and other things to do and see from your blog. My friends, sister and myself will be in Paris March 7-18th and I would like to ask you this. Could you tell me your top 5 things not to miss in Paris. They don't have to be the obvious, like the Eiffel Tower. Would love to hear them.

Breadbaking experience thru mygenieinparis.com. A real insight into the culture and a real bakery tour, too! I haven't stopped raving about it.

Pariswalks.com The best way to have individual areas explained to you. Great interesting factoids. No reservations required, just show up.

Boatride down Canal St. Martin. I only watched them go down the canal, but you will see a non tourist scenic"Amelie" area and be part of a mini mini Panama canal while in the boat.

The Parisian Chinatown and Indian area.

Picard....the French frozen food chain. You haven't lived until you see their version of frozen food!!!!!Keep your eyes open, they are everywhere.

Fat Tire Bike tours. I have done them all, but for a first time, do the one at night. After 5,000 million trips to CDG, I saw Paris in a whole new way. After 3 hrs of sleep, and being a no exersize person and a little younger than Meryl Streep, it was a breeze, really! And the Parisians are very respectful of the bike lane. The company has a person lead, and they tell you when to cross the road. You could be blindfolded and not get hurt. OK, so I exagerated a bit on that last sentance.

Bois de Boulogne in a taxi at night. A RIOT and no tourists do it. Didn't mention it on purpose in my comment on the Gate, but this lead me into it. There is a live "show" on either side of the main, ahem, DRAG. All the taxi drivers know where to go.

@PHX. Thanks a million! I never know what to answer to a question like the one of Donna, because I live here. So live the - boring - life of someone who spend most of his time working and watches television the rest of the time! How on earth could I dare recommending something to do in Paris?!

Donna, trust me, I know PHX, she knows what she's talking about when it comes to doing things in Paris!!